Whenever a modern NFL team goes deep into a season undefeated and then suffers its first loss, there’s a rumored symbolic popping of champagne corks by all the living members from the 1972 [Dolphins](https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/nfl/miami-dolphins), the only championship team that has enjoyed an unblemished record in the Super Bowl era.
The Dolphins, under legendary all-time winningest coach Don Shula, went 14-0 in the regular season and 3-0 in the playoffs on the strengths of a loaded defense and powerful running game. Miami held off Washington 14-7 to preserve its perfection.
Although some want to poke holes on how good the Dolphins actually were, pointing out an all-time weak schedule, the bottom line is winning every game on any NFL slate at any time is difficult. Until another team can put all that off 50-plus years later, all of the 1972 Dolphins remain in an exclusive club. As time goes by and teams fail to replicate the Dolphins’ feat, the special season gets sweeter.
**MORE: Back to The Sporting News' 140 Greatest Sports Moments of All Time**
**MORE:** See where Dolphins QB Bob Greise sits on Miami's Mount Rushmore